In short

Herbal tea or stiff drink?

I prefer loose green tea. But I also hold the old-fashioned view that a host owes it to his guests to treat them well, especially through their glass.

Most treasured item of clothing?

A thick leather jerkin – having lived in South Africa, I now feel the English winter.

Worst habit?

Being over-organised. My children roll their eyes because I am always trying to overclutter their days.

What annoys you?

People being late. I remember saying early on in my marriage to Karen that “you’ll never be bored with me”. She said, “Except in a lot of airports”, because I like to get there so early.

Best advice ever received?

When I worked for NBC, a veteran radio correspondent told me there are only three reactions you want from your audience: “Hey, that’s me; hey, I wish that was me; and hey, I’m glad that’s not me”.